Thanks to a tip from BangShift reader Sean Moore, we found this crazed Lotus 7 replica for sale on eBay. It is a study in contrast to some level because its looks are pretty garish in our opinion, but a low curb weight, a 96-inch wheelbase (same as an AA/Fuel Altered), a twin turbocharged 383 Chevy engine that makes 750hp, and a bunch of classic Jag parts later, we kind of dig it. There are ways to cure all the stuff that ails this car in the looks department and we’d probably end up ditching the Jag rear end for a 9-inch, put a big set of drag radials on the back of it, some skinnies on the front and get the look of an old, crazed, Modified Sports Production drag race car.
The seller claims that the motor makes 750hp on 10psi of boost but can be wicked up to 1100hp if you so desire. Since the 750hp is definitely urge overkill for this car, the 1100hp thing is cool sounding but an absolute waste of time. Oh, and if you think that Jag rear can stand up to even regular 750hp violence or the slighted whiff of traction at about 500hp, you’re kidding yourself.
The turbo setup on the car is an old school blow through style unit Banks kit. There’s a SCAT rotating assembly, Dart Iron Eagle heads, KB forged pistons, a COMP 270H cam, and a Barry Grant carb on top. The trans is a worked up TH350 which needs to go for a bomb proofed stick shift. This is a Lotus 7 replica after all, it needs a crash box. The car is actually titled as a Jag because most of the chassis components were sourced from XJ and XK Jaguars.
Yeah, it is generally bad looking, but there’s potential here….right?
Scroll down past the photos to see the ad and VIDEO of the car driving. Sadly the video doesn’t show any cool stuff like burnouts or donuts.
eBay Find: A twin turbo, 383ci Chevy powered Lotus 7 replica
An old Gale Banks turbo kit! Now that brings back some dusty, non-intercooled, carbureted memories . . . .
i laughed when i heard the turbos spool up. Cuz they never did!
In Australia theres a company called Elfin that makes avery similar type of thing but as a production car (a few different models at http://www.elfin.com.au/elfin/2008/) – you can go into Metro Holden (a GM dealership in Adelaide South Aust) and buy one off the showroom floor – LS powered nutso car but with a full factory warranty, servicing etc….